Treasures of the Linnean Shells Collection

Explore the remarkable molluscan species collection of Carl Linnaeus in this 45-minute lecture presented by the Linnean Society. Discover how Linnaeus described and named over 800 molluscan species, including many familiar and widespread varieties, through specimens obtained from collectors and correspondents such as shells from Cook's Endeavour voyage via Danish naturalist Otto Friedrich Müller. Learn about fascinating species characteristics including sex-changing seashells and deadly cone shells, while examining how humans have historically utilized molluscs for dyes, clothing, and musical instruments. Understand the connections between Linnean molluscs and specimens housed in museums across the UK and Ireland, and gain insights into how the Mollusca Types in Britain and Ireland project helps unlock the history of collectors and researchers associated with this diverse group. Join Senior Curator Jon Ablett from the Natural History Museum as he shares his expertise from over 22 years managing collections containing an estimated 8 million specimens, including approximately 70,000 primary types, and discover his research on SE Asian and South American land snail diversity and the history of malacological collecting.